Lighter mechanism



Aug. 26, 1 T. H. MORGAN ETAL LIGHTER MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 29, 1950 g- 26, 1952 T. H. MORGAN ET AL LIGHTER MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 29, 1950 INVENTORS THOMAS H.MORGAN & DWIGHT C. MORGAN Patented Aug. 26, 1952 UNITED STATES OFFICE LIGHTER MECHANISM of Pennsylvania Application August 29, 1950, Serial No. 181,956

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a portable pocket or table lighter for smokers. More particularly, it pertains to lighter mechanism employing butane, propane or the like and capable of use for prolonged periods. Still further, this invention relates to filler mechanism for such lighter mechanism.

Ordinary pocket and table lighters for cigars, cigarettes and pipes employ many forms of mechanism in common use at this time. The so-called lighter fluid used therein is a hydrocarbon liquid at normal temperatures and pressures. This lighter liquid is frequently drawn to the ignition zone by means of a fibre wick. Such lighters ordinarily cannot be used more than a few days before requiring filling. Further, unless such lighter liquid is of relatively high quality so as to readily-vaporize, it may not ignite easily without careful sheltering when the flint is struck to ignite it. In addition, in many such lighters the capacity of the lighteris reduced in that considerable lighter liquid may be present even though a new refillingis required.

More recently, lighters have appeared on the market using a normally gaseous fluid such as commercial butane. The burning of such a fuel in a popular table lighter has many advantages. Thus, such fuel is readily stored under pressure as a liquid, readily vaporizes upon release to atmosphere, readily ignites and burns in a smokeless manner. Because such a lighter fluid as commercial butane can readily be stored as a liquid, a single portable lighter mechanism can be provided, the capacity of which will furnish enough lights for an average smoker to last him for several months. In this way, there is no necessity for either carrying a supply of lighter fluid as is frequently done with older lighters using lighter liquid or for frequent replenishment. However, controlling the flow of normally gaseous lighter fluid such as commercial butane or commercial propane presents difficulties. Thus, in one form of such 'a more recent lighter two hands have to be used to supply and ignite the fuel. In addition, the replenishment of such a normally gaseous fuel has in some cases required either the return of the lighter to a central agency for refilling or the replacement of an insert containing at least that portion of the mechanism in which the fuel is stored; Moreover, such lighters operating on normally gaseous fuels may be subject to imprecise operation with the result that too large a flame or too rapid or too slow a flow of fuelis obtained. When the fuel flow is too fast or to slow, the user may get no light.

In this invention a new lighter mechanism is provided which burns commercial butane, commercial propane and the like without giving rise to the difiiculties manifested by prior constructions. In addition, as and when the lighter mechanism of this invention requires refilling, it may readily be done by anyone using the novel refill mechanism of this invention. This new lighter mechanism not only safely stores the normally gaseous fuel when the lighter is not in use but when it is operated produces a controlled flame for the desired period of operation. Further, the pocket and table lighters of this invention may be operated by one hand with the application of no more pressure than that used today in the operation of lighters using normally liquid fuel for lighters. "Not only is the new lighter mechanism of this invention capable of prolonged normal use overseveral months without refilling but it is also adjustable not only with respect to the character of flame desired but also with respect to the climatic zone in which it may happen to be used. Still further, the lighter needs only to be actuated to light and automatically returns itself to its inoperative position extinguishing the flame.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the following drawings, which are illustrative only, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of e an embodiment of a lighter mechanism of this invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical section through the longer axis of the lighter mechanism shown in Figure 1, illustrating interior parts in inoperative or starting position;

Figure 3 is a vertical section through the shorter axis of the lighter mechanism shown in Figure 1, as indicated by the line III-III of Figure 2, illustrating interior parts in inoperative or starting position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view in section taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3 with the sparking wheel and cap removed;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the operating lever and sparking wheel assembly depressed opening the valve so gaseous fuel can flow therethrough;

Figure 6 is a View similar to Figure 5 at a more advanced stage showing the further depression of the operating lever striking sparks for the ignition of the fuel flowing through the 'valve;

Figure '7 is a view in elevation of a filler meche anism embodiment of this inventionincluding a regulator cap;

Figure 8 is an enlarged vertical section through the longer axis of the top part of the filler mechanism shown in Figure 7 with the cap removed;

Figure 9 is a view in vertical section of the operation of a filler mechanism of this invention with the cap removed filling a lighter mechanism of this invention with the actuator assembl removed;

Figure 10 is a view of a regulator cap such as is shown in Figure 7 regulating the level of the fuel in the lighter mechanism shown in Figure 9 after the filler mechanism has been removed;

Figure 11 is a view in vertical sectionof a portion of a filler mechanism employing a modified transfer nozzle;

Figure 12 is a view in vertical section of the operation of filling the reservoir of a lighter mechanism of this invention using the transfer nozzle of Figure 11; and

Figure 13 is a vertical section through a modifled form of a valve made in accordance with this invention.

Referring to the drawings, a lighter mechanism Ill made in accordance with this invention is provided with a preferably seamless case II of any suitable material such as stainless steel, German silver or others. In some cases, the case may be made of a plastic material where it is of sufllcient strength. In the mechanism shown, the case I I is elliptical in horizontal cross section but may be round or otherwise formed to suit the taste of the user. Further, case II is provided with a partition I2 across the upper side thereof. Thus, case II including partition I2 welded thereto, forms a chamber or reservoir I3 for a normally gaseous lighter fuel such as commercial butane or commercial propane. In a conventional pocket size, the reservoir I3 may contain enough fuel in liquid form underpressure to provide 2000 lights, more or less, enough to last an average cigarette smoker as long as two months or more.

The exterior of lighter mechanism It is completed by a top cap enclosing and defining an ignition and combustion space I5 above partition I2, and an operating lever I6 extending vertically alongside the lighter mechanism. Cap I4 is provided, in the embodiment shown, with the same horizontal cross section as case II and forms a part of the entire case of lighter mechanism IIl. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower edge of cap I4 frictionally engages an upstanding flange I! on partition I2. The exterior of cap I4 may be made flush with the exterior of case II.

The top of cap I4 is provided with a circular flame opening I8, the edge II! of which is flared downwardly and outwardly to hold a ring having two integral spring steel sides 2I extending downwardly along the inside of the sides of cap I4. Each side 2I is provided with an opening 22 and an outwardly cylindrically extending flange in registry with an opening 23 in each side of cap I4. A louver plate 24 is integrally formed or welded to the flange on each side 2I around the edge of the opening 22 so that the outer part of each plate 24 projects outwardly i beyond the sides of cap I4 by a slight amount. The vanes 25 in the plates 24 may be arranged vertically and inwardly diverging about the vertical centerline of the respective plates 24. In this way, combustion air may enter the ignition and combustion space I5 between the vanes 25 in the louver .plate 24 in a relatively diffused manner.

The lower end of each side 2I is provided with 4 an integral L-shaped latch 26. The out-turned edge of each latch 26 engages a horizontal slot 21 in the sides of flange I! to lock cap I4 in place when it is fitted over flange I1. To remove top cap I4, the louver plates 24 may be pressed or pinched inwardly between thumb and forefinger disengaging the latches 26 from the slots 21 and permitting cap I4 to be .lifted off flange IT. A slot 28 in one end of cap I4 extends over an inwardly extending arm 29 integral with lever I6.

To replace cap I4 these steps are reversed.

A lug 30 is integral with ring 20 to provide a hinge or pivotal connection for a freely swingable pendent rod 3I, the purpose of which will be described later. The lower edge of top cap I4 may be chamfered around the inside thereof at 32 to facilitate replacement thereof on the flange I1.

Partition I2 is provided with an opening 33. f'his opening is sealed by a normally closed resilient slit valve 34. The edge of partition I2 around opening 33 is actually embedded in the body of valve 34 to effect a seal and prevent any communication between reservoir I3 and combustion space I5 except through the slit 35. Valve 34 may be made of any resilient material such, for example, as neoprene or a silicone elastomer which is resistant to deterioration when in constant contact with substances such as commercial butane or commercial propane. As a usual matter, it will not be desirable to cement the body 0; valve 34 to the edge partition I2 around opening 33. So mounted without being cemented, valve 34 will act as a safety plug or grommet in addition to its valving function. Thus, if through mischance the lighter mechanism of this inven tion should be accidentally heated generating a relatively unsafe pressure within the fuel reservoir, the valve of this invention would be blown out of the opening, such as opening 33, before any dangerous pressure were reached. Such a, blow-out of the valve would allow all of the fuel in the reservoir to rapidly vaporize relieving the excessive pressure without harming anyone or damaging any surrounding material. In most cases the valve can be replaced by the user and the lighter would be ready for reuse upon refilling the reservoir with fuel.

Further, the cylindrical drop-shaped construction of valve 34 as shown in Figure 4 is such that it normally maintains slit 35 closed. When the spherical or convex surface. 36 of valve 34 extending below partition -I2 into chamber I3 is subjected to the pressure of the fuel in chamber I 3, such pressure assists in making the closure of the slit opening 35 pressure tight and in the sealing of valve 34 around the edge of opening 33. In substantially all of the figures the actuator parts and the valve are larger than they will be .in the manufactured articles.

Valve 34 is provided with an axial recess 31 having a widened portion 38 intermediate the ends thereof. Widened portion 38 results In the formation of internal annular shoulders 33 and 40 in the recess 31. Preferably. slit 35 extends upwardly from the bottom of valve 34 to a distance just above the lower end of recess 31 with, however, all of slit 35 being within chamber I3.

'There is another opening in partition I2 intermediate openingf'33 and operating lever IS. A cylindrical guiding well 42 having a flanged upper edge 43 extends through opening 41 and into chamber I3 in a direction parallel to the axis of valve 34. Guiding well 42 is welded to partition I2 to seal the opening 4|. between the reservoir I3 and the space I5. I

' A core assembly or thrust member consists ofa conduit fitting 44 and a flame tip 45 which two parts are in interfltting relation. Thus, fitting 44 is provided with an internally threaded recess 48 engaging a threaded stem 41 on flame tip 45. An axial conduit or passage 48 is drilled in fitting 44 and is in alignment with a conduit or passage 49 drilled axially through tip 45. The passages 48 and 49 are joined into a continuous passage by the circular space between the bottom of stem 41 and of recess 48 which may be termed a variable orifice portion 50. In this portion, a plurality of resilient nodules 5| are placed. The interstices between the nodules 5| provide an orifice joining the passages 48 and 49, which orifice is, labyrinthine in that the paths along the interstices in the space 50 are tortuous. These nodules may be made, for example, of neoprene or other resilient material which is resistant to deterioration when in contact with the fuel. to be used, such as commercial butane. Above and below the nodules 5| there is provided a porous disc separator 52 which may be made, for example, of a suitable paper or ceramic filter material. These separators serve to contain the nodules 5| within the portion 50 and to prevent any of them from entering the passages 48 or 49. A cylindrical pellet of intermixed wood pulp fibers and ground neoprene may be used in place of the nodules 5| and separators 52. In effect, therefore, passages 48 and 49 form with the portion 50 acontinuous conduit having a labyrinthine portion therein. The voids in this labyrinthine portion 59, which is on the low pressure side of valve 34, may be varied by the relative axial movement of the respective parts 44 and 45. Axial movement of the parts 44 and 45 toward each other compresses the nodules 5| in space 50 between the separators 52 and thereby varies the aggregate orifice through space 50 by reducing the interstices between the nodules 5|. Conversely, movement of the parts 44 and 45 away from each other correspondingly increases the size of such interstices and enlarges the aggregate orifice joining the passages 48 and 49. Having the metering portion 50 on the low pressure side of slit 35 insures against any possibility of a pocket or slug of fuel in liquid form being blown out of the tip 45 when the lever I6 is depressed. However, if lighter mechanism I0 is operated when turned so liquid fuel in reservoir 13 is against valve slit 35, a long jet of flame will issue which is very useful, for example, in lighting pipes.

The edge 53 of the head of tip 45 may be knurled or milled so that it can be turned relative to fitting 44, thereby changing the effective cross section of the voids comprising the orifice in portion 50. In this way, flame regulation can be obtained. For example, when tip 45 is screwed into fitting 44 further compressing the portion 59, the height of the flame issuing from the top of tip 45 will be shortened, and vice versa. Moreover, in warmer climates in which, for example, the vapor pressure of a fuel such as commercial butane may be markedly greater than it is in more temperate climates, the adjustment of the interfitting parts 44 and 45 to vary the orifice area through portion 59 can. be used to counteract the increase in pressure of the fuel in chamber l3 induced bythe climate. Thus, in such hotter climates a further compression of the orifice portion 59 will regulate the fuel flow and flame character to the users needs and desires.

An annularflange 54 overlies the upper part 55 of valve 34'." 'Slit 35 in valve 34 is opened as may be seen-in Figures'5 and 6 by the axial depression of the core assembly4445. When slit 35 is so opened, fuel from the sourcein reservoir l3 will flow as a gas through slit 35 and passage 4850-49 to a recess 56 in the head of tip 45. The frictional fit between the exterior of fitting 44 within recess 31 and the surface of recess 31 in contactitherewith is sufficient to make a seal and-prevent any leakage of fuel around the outsidev of :fitting 44. This recess 56 may be used to protect'from drafts the base of the flame or light produced when the fuel issuing from passage '49'is ignited by the sparking wheel assembly. An inner'ring 56a; integral with the bottom of recess 56 may be provided immediately around the top of passage 49. Then, if there should be any oily material, for example, in the fuel issuing through passage 49, it would tend to collect around the outside of ring 55a betweenit and the side of recess 56, therebyavoiding running down the insides of the passage 49. A notch or kerf 45a is provided across the head of tip 45 to facilitate the initial assembly of the thrust member 4445 by the use, for example. of a screwdriver point inserted in the kerf 45a. At the same time, the kerf 45a will serve to drain away any such oily. matter which may collect around the outside of ring 56a. v

During the opening of slit 35 by moving the thrust member 4445 from inoperative or starting to' operative or valve-open position toward reservoir l3, flange 54 bears against the top outer portion 55 of valve 34 and the annular shoulder 44g. on fitting 44v bears against shoulder 49 on valve 34. Thus,- in addition. to the frictional fit as shown in Figure 4 between the surfaces of thrust member 4445 and the internal recess 31 of valve 34, the respective shoulders 44a and 40 also assist in sealing the space between recess 31 and conduit fitting 44. The dependent cylindrical side of flange 54 overlies and surrounds part 55 of valve 34 and may help to prevent any undue bulging thereof during the depression of the thrust member. Hence, upon axial movement of the core assembly toward the reservoir, the valve 34 will open as shown in section in Figures 5. and 6 and the fuel flowing out of reservoir l3 as a consequence will pass only through conduit passage 48-59-49.

Moreover, if lighter mechanism I0 is tipped toward operating lever "5, when core assembly 4445 is depressed, rod 3| will swing into the dotted position shown in Figure 6 allowing the lighter ID to be passed around among a number of smokers without anyone having to hold the operating lever l6 down in its depressed position. Otherwise, a new lighting cycle must be initiated for each instance of use. After being passed around, the lighter can be shut off by a slight depression of lever I6 and tilting it away from such lever allowing the rod 3| to swing back to the fu1lline position shown in Figures 5 and 6, clearing the corner of the flange 54.

The sparking. wheel assembly comprises an axially movable flint tube 51, a yoke 58 welded or .upset riveted to the top thereof, a rotatable pawl housing..59 pivotally mounted in yoke 58, a steel sparking wheel 60 pivotally mounted about the same axis as the housing 59 and their associated parts; Thus, flint tube 51 is in slidable engagement with the interior of guide 42. Further, tube 51 is hollow and internally threaded at the bottom 6| thereof. A cap screw 62 .is

, adapted to be screwed hand-tight into the bottom of tube'51. Screw G2 is provided with a rounded 7 nose -63. of reduced .idiam'eter which flts inside of a flint positioning spring-54; Flint positioning p n 5.4Jpresses'against a soft metal plug 65 which in turnsupports the bottom of a conventional flint 66.1 Flint 66 ismaintained by spring 64 in constant contact: with the underside of sparking wheel 60., ;The axis of tube 51 is slightly to the right of,'as;shown in Figures 2 and 4 to 6,.the axis on which pawl housing 59 and sparkingwheeltfl aredmounted. As a consequence, when spark-ingrwh'eel :60 is rotated sparks wilLfly ataniangle .intersecting the axis of core assembly 44'45 between tip 45 and flame opening l8. ,Aflint safe. 66a maybe fastened, on partition [2 to provide for-ran extra supply of flints 66 indlighter mechanism 10..

UPawl ,,housing 59 isga saddle shaped piece spanning the sparkingwheel 60 and having the respective. parallel; sides ,6 and, 68. Aligned openings inthese' sidesnallow a pin 69 to pass therethrough and throughaligned. openings in the upright sides 1-0 of the .yoke 58; A crown ratchet wheel Hv integral with sparking wheel 60 is journaled on ipin 69. Ratchet wheel "H is provided'with circumferential serrations or teeth 12 adapted for succ'essiveengagement by a radial spring steel pawl 13 integral with a flat base 14 the outside of which bears. against the inside of side 67. Base 14 isl'alsoljournale'd Ion pin 59 and has a straight edge-15 in abutment against the underside of the cross-overpiece of pawl housing 59 so that as housing 59 is turned, base 14 and pawl 13 are correspondingly turned. The bent up radial pawl-l3 is bent inwardly toward the teeth 'IZ -adjacent thereto. 'Hence, as pawl housing 59 is-rdtated or rocked through an arc in a counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 4 the edge "18 of pawl]; engages the nearest crest of a tooth 12 spaced in a counterclockwise fashion therefrom, thereby rotating sparking wheel 60 and itsaxially toothed circumference across the top of flint '66 to create the sparks shown in Figure 6. Side 68 of pawl housing 59 is provided with an'inwar-dly stamped portion 11 to keep the p'arts-in fa'irly close relative position between the sides 10 of the yoke 58. Washers may be employed-between the sides of the housing and theinsides of the respective sides 16 if required. As shown in Figures 3and 4, pin 69 is continued'and bent down along one side of yoke 58 and then bent horizontally again at 81 to partially encircle and clasp 'a circumferential recess'18- in a boss 19 integral with the upper part of tube 51 above flange'43; Yoke 58 is welded or otherwise aflixed to tube 57 adjacent thet'op ofboss 19. a v

Yoke 5B is substantially U-shaped, the bottom 80 of which extends betweenthe sides 79 and also toward core assembly 44'45 so as to completely encircle fitting '44 above flange 5 1 but below the head of tip 45. A surface portion of fitting 44 is s'waged or upset riveted over the extensiion of bottom 80 which surrounds it so as firmly to attach oke 58 to conduit fitting 44. Instead of such'swaging orriveting, yoke 58 may be weldedto fitting 44. As shown in Figure 4, the normally closed position and the inherent strength of valve 34 is 'sufilcient to maintain core assembly '4'4--4'5 andthesparkin'g wheel assembly in starting orinoperativel position as shown in Figure 4 unless and until operating lever I6 is depressed.

Operating lever 'l6is, formed-in the shape of a .hood as shown Lind-figure .1 so, as to present lighter mechanism 116'" snags smooth unbroken surface when taken together with case H and top, [4.1 A narrower bent arm 29 'extendsupwardly andinwardly'into space [5 through slot 28. The upper endofyarm or, link 29 ispivotally connected at ;82 between two lugs 83 integral with the respective sides of pawl 59. A, bent spring 84 is positioned between a tab end pocket 85 of lever t6 alongside case II and a loop of portion SI of the extension of pin 69. Spring 84 iscoiled at .86 and at x84with the ends of the coils 8'! caughtv beneathv the, portion 8|. preloading. of spring 84 is such. as to normally hold lever l6 againstlthe lighter case and in its uppermost position as shown in Figure 2.

When the lighterv mechanism is not in use, it looks as it appears .in figure l and the component parts thereof of the embodiment shown are. as they. appear in: Figures 2 to 4 inclusive. When, however, ailight is desired, the user holding the case. l.:|-'-'I4 in one hand will depress operating lever [:6 with the thumb of that hand. In the first portion ofthat depression as shown by the relative positions of the parts in Figure 5, the angle between bentarm 29 and the lugs 88 of pawl housing 59 substantially remains unchanged but the downward movement of operating lever [6 has transmitted to yoke 58 and member 44-45"through'pin 69 and portion 8! the same downward movement. This downward movement opens slit 35 and the valve 34 so that gaseous fuel produced by the liquefied commercial butane or commercial propane in chamber [3 will flow upwardly through passage 485049 and be ready for ignition.- At the same time this portion of the depres'sion of operating lever 16 seats the bottom of bess lfl on a flange halting the downward sliding movement of flint tube 51 relative to guide 42 and the downward movement of core assembly 44-45. The continued depression of operating lever l6 changes the angle between the bent arm 29 and the lugs 83 through the pivot '62 tending to bring them into alignment, as shown in Figure 6, and rotates pawl housing 59 in a counterclockwise direction engaging sparking wheel 60 and striking sparks as shown to ignite the fuel issuing from tip 45.

A kerf 88 is out in fiange "in alignment with slot 28 so as not to hinder the end of the downward movement of operating lever 16. In actuality the depression o'flever I6 is a single continuous movement substantially simultaneously effecting fuel flow and ignition of that fuel.

' When the user releases his thumb, spring 84 will return operating lever from the position shown in Figure 6 to that shown in: Figure 5, if pendent member- 31 has not (been swung to the position shownin dotted outline in Figure 6 so as to catch against the top of flange -54. Such clockwise movement of pawl housing 59 moves radial pawl 18 clockwise and since it and its support 14 aremade of spring steel, it will flatten sufficiently to pass the crest of the next succeeding tooth 12 in a clockwise direction, thereby ratcheting relativefto' the sparking wheel 60. From the position shown in Figure 5 to that shown "in Figures 2 to 4, the restoration of the lighter 'mechanisnrfto starting or inoperative position as shown in Figures 2 to 4 is achieved by the inherenttendency of valve '34 to close the slit 35. If desired, a conical helical spring (not shown) may be provided around valve 34 between partition 12 and the underside of flange 5'4, to maintain or return thrust imember"44-45 and the sparking wheel'assembly'in or to their upper- The 9 most position when there is no pressure on lever I6 to depress it.

The respective sides 61 and 68 of pawl 59 may be provided with integral extensions 59a which act as stops against the top of bottom portion 80 of yoke 58. When the users thumb is removed from operating lever. I5, the mechanism III will shut off automatically assuming that rod 3| is out of thepath of flange 54. This snap action is produced byth-e preloading of spring 84 urging operating lever I6 upwardly in the course of which the stops 59a strike portion 80 before operating lever I6 reaches its uppermost position. The upwardly moving mass effect so generated assists in completing the return of the actuator assembly to starting or inoperative position with lever I6 in such uppermost position.

After the prolonged period of use which is pos-- sible with the lighter mechanism of this invention, the refilling of reservoir I3 with commercial butane or commercial propane or the like will become necessary. Preparatory'to initial filling or such refilling, the louver plates 24 may be pressed inwardly unlocking the top I4 and permitting it to be pulled off. Then the actuator assembly comprising the operating lever I6, the sparking wheel assembly and the core assembly can be lifted out between thumb and forefinger while grasping the sides of the yoke 58. The core assembly 4445 is removed by the fixed attachment between the extension end of the bottom 80 and. fitting 44. Since core assembly 44-45 only frictionally fits in axial recess 31, its removal is readily performed. Similarly, flint tube 51 simply slides out of guide well 42, enabling the flint 66 to be replaced at the same time if it is required. The remaining portion of the lighting mechanism is as shown in the lower part of Figure 9 and comprises case II, partition I2, guide 42 and valve 34.

For filling and refilling, a wholly enclosed filler can I is provided which may be of, elliptical cross section for attractive appearance. One end IOI thereof is provided with an opening I02 in sealed relation to and supporting a normally closed resilient valve I03. Opening I02 and valve I03 correspond in general construction and in functioning to opening 33 and valve 34. A widened portion I04 intermediate the ends of an axial recess I05 in valve I03 again correspond to portion 38 and recess 31 of valve .34. A slit I06 in valve I03 functions in the same manner as slit in valve 34. A transfer nozzle I01 is provided with an axial passage I08 throughout the entire length thereof; Intermediate the ends of nozzle I 01 an integral annular flange I09 is provided which seats against the top of valve I03. The portion of nozzle I01 below flange I09 as viewed in Figure 8, frictionally fits axial recess I05 in the same manner that conduit fitting 44 fits axial recess 31 except that nozzle I01 is provided with a circumferential boss H0 which bears against the uppermost shoulders formed by the widened portion I04. 'The portion of nozzle I01 on the side of fiange I 09 away from valve I03 is stepped down from the diameter of portion III to the reduced diameter of extreme portion II2.

The portions II II I2 of nozzle I01. are constructed to fit axial recess 31 with the broadened portion between parts III and H2 bearing on the shoulders shown just as the annular shoulder between the extremity and upper end of fitting 44 bear against shoulder in the lighter mechanism I0. The extremity IIZ of '10 transfer nozzle I01 extends through slit 35 when initial filling or refilling of chamber I3 is .to be done. In such filling or refilling, the can I00 and the lighter mechanism less the top I4 and actuator assembly are in the position shown in Figure 9.- In such position, commercial butane or commercial propane or the like in liquid form in can I00 under pressure feeds as a liquid by gravity into and fills chamber I3. After a suitable interval, which may be about 5 seconds, to

assure filling, can I00 is withdrawn, thereby withdrawing transfer nozzle I01 and allowing valve 34 to close slit 35. At the same time, such withdrawal allows valve I03 to close slit I06. The refilling of reservoir I3 may be facilitated if desired by chilling the outside of case II. Such chilling may be effected by depressing the transfer nozzle I01 toward filler can I00 while pointing the nozzle toward case I I to spray fuel thereon until it becomes cold to the touch. Moreover, the valve I03 may be made of a slightly greater hardness than the hardness of the valve 34 so that when assembled together as shown in Figure 9, the transfer nozzle I01 will penetrate into chamber I3 at the same time as or immediately prior to the opening of valve I03 by bringing case II and filler can I00 toward each other. In using valves of neoprene, it has been found that a hardness of 45 to 50 for valves such as valve 34 and a hardness of 60 to '70 for valves such as valve I03 are satisfactory, such hardness being in the units measurable by a standard Type A" Shore durometer. I I

In the use of normally gaseous fuels of such character it is usually desirable to regulate the amount of liquefied fuel in chamber I3 immediately after any filling or refilling to about of the total volume of the chamber. lation may readily be done by means of a regulator cap II3 which may be made of a material such as hard rubber or a suitable plastic such as Lucite or white metal. Cap H3 is cylindrical in shape and has the appearance of a hollow stepped cone. Its intermediate portion I I 4 and extremity H5 have a passage IIB therethrough communicating with the space in the center of the cap. Further, the portions H4 and H5 fit axial recess 31 in valve 34. Hence, when regulator cap H3 is pushed by hand into recess 31 with case II upright and with the extremity II5 passing through slit 35, liquid above the level of the tip of extremity II5 will pass into passage I I6 and vaporize. When the person filling or refilling chamber I3 observes no more liquid blowing out through passage II6, the regulator cap I I3 is instantly withdrawn whereupon slit 35 and valve 34 will close. At that point the liquid in chamber I3 will fill about 90% of the entire volume in the reservoir. In additionto its function as a regulator cap, cap H3 is so dimensioned that the lower portion of cap II3 away from extremities H4 and H5 fits against the outside of valve I03 on the outside of can I00. This fit is sufiicient to hold cap I I3 in place as shown inFigure '1 until it is pulled oil" by the user. In this way, the filler can I 00 can be transported readily without concern about loss of contents owing to any accidental axial movement of transfer nozzle I01 in a direction tending to open slit I06. A single medium-sized can I00 which is preferably seamless and made of a material suflicient to stand the pressures engendered by the liquid storage of normally gaseous fuels like commercial butane or commercial propane may readily contain enough fuel for at This regu- 11 least a year's normal. supply for an. average smoker.

A modification of the transfer nozzle IB'I is illustrated in Figures 11 and I2. In that modification, those parts having thev same general construction and function are given the same reference numerals with the additionv of a prime. In addition, transfer nozzle I01 is provided with a vent I I1. In filling reservoir I3 through valve 34 vent III is closed asshown in Figure 12 by the upper part 55 of valve. 34'. Flange IDS is provided with a depending cylindrical side which will fit around part 55 similar to the side of flange 54. When however, the fillingor refilling interval' is over, the partial withdrawal of supply can I" closes valve I03 and withdraws nozzle I01 a sufficient distance above the top of valve 34 to open vent II I toatmosphere while at the same time extremity IIZ is in communication with reservoir I3 through slit 35. The cylindrical side of a flange I09" may afford some shielding to the outlet end of vent I I1. When so vented, the liquid level in chamber I3 will be lowered since the lowermost tip of portion II2' will be in communication with chamber Liquid will flow out through vent III and be followed by gas at which moment the person using filling can I00 will immediately withdraw the entire transfer nozzle I01 closing valve 34.

A modified form of a valve made in accordance with this invention is shown in Figure 13 in vertical section. Those portions of this modified form of valve similar in general construction and function to corresponding parts of valve 34 are given the same reference numerals with the addition of a prime, as are the corresponding parts of a lighter mechanismused with valve 34'. Thus, in the modified valve 34, an axial recess 31 is provided which has no widenedportion correspondingto portion 38 of valve. 34.. Instead, a conduit fitting 44 is in surface frictional sealing contact with axial recess3'I throughout the entire length thereof. Moreover, valve 34' is provided with a necked portion I of reduced diameter intermediate its top portion 55' and partition I2. Then, as and when core assembly 44,-45' is moved axially toward slit 35, the surface of recess 3'! in contact with the exterior of the core assembly in the. region of the necked portion I20 will press. against the exterior of conduit fitting 44 therein. sealing off any. normal possibility of the leakage of fuel between the surface of recess 31 and the exterior of the conduit fitting 44 therein. In, some cases, where the actuator assembly may not be precisely made, the distance between the axis of the flint tube 51f and the axis of thecore assembly 44 may not correspond exactlyto the distance between the axis of guide well 42' and the axisof recess 31'. Such an imprecision might affect the alignment or fit between the exterior of fitting 44' and the surface of recess 3|' so that when core assembly 44' 45' is depressed a minute amount of fuel may pass around the outside of fitting 44-. In these latter casesa leakage vent in the form of a pinhole I2I may be provided in valve 34 to bleed or tap off any such minute amount of fuel and avoid any possibility of unduly bulging the valve. Such venting of fuel through vent I2I will not affect the operation of the lighter mechanism of this invention and if present will be in a quantity too slight to ignite. A similar leakage vent may be provided in cases of such misalignment for valves of the type of valve 34, extending between widened portion 38 12 of recess 31. and the outsideof valve 34 above partition I2. In all possible cases manufacturing tolerances and supervision will be such that no vent corresponding to vent I2I will have to be provided and, moreover, irrespective of any such imprecision or misalignment, there is no leakage of fuel through the valves of this invention when they are closed.

This invention includes various changes that may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a lighter mechanism for butane or the like, an enclosed fuel chamber having a partition across one side thereof, said partition having an opening therein, a resilient valve positioned in said opening and normally preventing any flow of fuel from said chamber, said valve having a normally closed slit opening therein extending between said chamber and a recess in the body of said valve, a thrust member fitting said recess in frictional engagement therewith, said thrust member having interfitting parts movable relative to each other, and a plurality of resilient nodules within said thrust member forming a labyrinthine passage variable in area of the voids therethrough by the relative movement of said parts, said thrust member further having a passage therethrough in series communication with said labyrinthine passage, whereby when said thrust member is moved relative to said valve so as to open said slit, fuel for ignition will issue through said thrust member.

2. In a lighter mechanism for butane or the like, an enclosed fuel chamber having a partition across one side thereof, said partition having an opening therein, .a resilient valve positioned in said opening and normally preventing any flow of fuel from said chamber, said valve having a normally closed slit opening therein extending between said chamber and a recess in the body of said valve, a thrust member fitting said recess in frictional engagement therewith, said thrust member having interfitting parts movable relative toeach other, a plurality of resilient nodules within said thrust member forming a labyrinthine passage variable in. area of the voids therethrough by the. relative movement of said parts, said thrust member further having a passage therethrough in series communication with said labyrinthine passage, and porous separators between said nodules and said secondmentioned passage. whereby when said thrust member is moved relative to said valve so as to open said slit, fuel for ignition will issue through said thrust member.

3. In a lighter-mechanism for butane or the like, a fuel reservoir, a flame tip outside said reservoir, a normally closed valve interposed between said reservoir and said tip tocontrol the flow of fuel therebetween, means for moving said assembly toward said reservoir to open said valve, acap enclosing a, space around saidassembly and valve against the outside of said reservoir, said cap having a flame opening in alignment with said assembly, and apendent member suspended inside said cap, said pendent member being adapted in one position to hold said assembly in its valve opening position.

4. In a lighter mechanism for butane or the like, an enclosed fuel chamber, an ignition and combustion chamber adjoining said fuel chamber, a partition separating said chambers, said partition having an opening therein, a valve positioned in said opening normally preventing any communication between said chambers, a thrust member substantially in said ignition and com bustion chamber adapted to open said valve by pressing thereagainst, a yoke connected to said thrust member and adapted to move it to open said valve, a sparking wheel mounted in said yoke, an operating lever adjacent to at least one of said chambers connected to said yoke, said operating lever being adapted to move said yoke and said sparking wheel, a guide controlling the direction of movement of said yoke, and means for returning said operating lever and thrust member to inoperative position.

5. In a lighter mechanism for butane or the like, an enclosed fuel chamber, an ignition and combustion chamber adjoining said fuel chamber, a partition separating said chambers, said partition having an opening therein, a valve positioned in said opening normally preventing any communication between said chambers, a thrust member substantially in said ignition and combustion chamber adapted to open said valve by pressing thereagainst, a yoke connected to said thrust member and adapted to move it to open said valve, a sparking wheel mounted in said yoke, a flint tube connected to said yoke, means in said tube for holding a flint against said spark ing wheel, a guiding well projecting into said fuel chamber for said flint tube, an operating lever alongside of at least one of said chambers, a ratcheting pawl connecting said operating lever and said yoke, resilient means to maintain said operating lever in its starting position, and resilient means to maintain said thrust member in its starting position, said starting positions coincicling with the normally closed position of said valve, whereby when said operating lever is pressed it substantially simultaneously strikes a spark from said flint through said pawl and sparking wheel and moves said thrust member against said valve to open it.

6. In a lighter mechanism for butane or the like, an enclosed fuel chamber, an ignition and combustion chamber adjoining said fuel chamber, a partition separating said chambers, said partition having an opening therein, a valve positioned in said opening normally preventing any communication between said chambers, a thrust member substantially in said ignition and combustion chamber adapted to open said valve by pressing thereagainst, a yoke connected to said thrust member and adapted to move it to open said valve, a sparking wheel mounted in said yoke, a flint tube connected to said yoke, means in said tube for holding a flint against said sparking wheel, the axis of said sparking wheel being offset from the axis of said flint to direct the sparks produced therebetween toward the axis of and above said thrust member, a guiding well projecting into said fuel chamber for said flint tube, an operating lever alongside of at least one of said chambers, a ratcheting pawl connecting said operating lever and said yoke, resilient means to maintain said operating lever in its starting position, and resilient means to maintain said thrust member in its starting position, said starting positions coinciding with the normally closed position of said valve, whereby when said operating lever is pressed it substantially simultaneously strikes a spark from said flint through said pawl and sparking wheel and moves said thrust member against said valve to open it.

7. In combination, an enclosed lighter reservoir for butane or the like, a normally closed resilient slit valve connected to said reservoir, said slit valve having'an 'axialrecess therein on the low pressure side thereof, a supply can, a second normally closed resilient slit valve connected to said supply can, said second slit valve having an axial recess therein, a transfer nozzle connected to said supply can and fitting in said recess of said second valve, said nozzlefurther having a projecting end adapted to, fit into the recessof said first-named valve, whereby when said projecting end is inserted; into said first-named valve, the relative movement of said supply can toward said reservoir will open both said valves and fill said reservoir with fuel.

e 8. In a lighter mechanism for butane or the like, an enclosed fuel chamber having a partition across one side thereof, said partition having an opening therein, a resilient valve positioned in said opening and normally preventing any flow of fuel from said chamber, said valvehaving a normally closed slit opening therein extending between said chamber and a recess in the body of said valve, a thrust member fitting said recess, said thrust member having interfitting parts movable relative to eachother, at least one resilient member within said thrust member forming a passage variable in area by. the relative movement of said parts, said thrust member further having a passage therethrough in series communication with the passage formed bysaid resilient member, whereby when I said thrust member is moved relative to saidvalve so as to open said slit, fuel for ignition will issue through said thrust member. I

9. In a lighter mechanism for butane or like fuel, in combination, a fuel reservoir havingan opening thereinto, a resilient slit valve positioned in said opening with its slit normally closed but openable inwardly toward said reservoir, said valve having a recess adjacent the side of the slit away from said reservoir, a flame tip thrust member removably positioned in said recess adjacent the side of said slit away from said reservoir but depressible toward said slit to press said slit open, said member having a generally axial passage therethrough for the passage of fuel from the reservoir when the member is depressed to open said slit, a yoke attached to said member, a sparking wheel rotatably mounted on said yoke and generally movable with the movement of said member, guiding means connected to said yoke and movable in a direction generally parallel to the movement of said member, and'a common operating means to depress said member and operate said sparking wheel, said member, yoke, sparking wheel, guiding means and operating means comprising an actuator assembly removable from said valve and said mechanism when said fuel reservoir is to be refilled through said valve.

10. In a lighter mechanism for butane or like fuel, comprising, in combination, a fuel reservoir having an opening thereinto, a resilient slit valve positioned in the opening with its slit normally closed but openable inwardly toward said reservoir, a flame tip thrust member normally positioned adjacent said slit on the side thereof away from said reservoir but depressible toward said slit to press the slit open, the member having a passage therethrough for the passage of fuel from the reservoir when the member is depressed to open said slit, said member terminating in a flame tip at the end of said passage away from said reservoir, said flame tip being movable with said thrust member, and a sparking wheel mounted on the flame tip thrust member and movable therewith, whereby the sparking wheel. and the heme tip remain in substantially the same relativepositions regardless of movement of the flame tip thrust member-J 11. In a lightermechanism for butane or like fuel, in combination, afuelreservoir having an opening thereinto, a resilient slit valve positioned in the opening with its slit normally closed but openable inwardly toward said reservoir, a flame tip thrust member normally positioned adjacent said slit on the side thereof away from said reservoir but depressible toward said slit to press said slit open, said member having a generally axial passage therethrough for the passage of fuel from the reservoir when the memher is depressed to opensaid slit, said member terminating in a flame tip at the end of said passage away from said reservoir, said flame tip being movablewith said thrust member, a sparking wheel mounted on the flame tip thrust memher and movable therewith, and an operating lever connected to said thrust member and said sparking wheel to depress said member and- 0perate said sparking wheel while said flame tip and sparking wheel remain substantially the same relative positions regardless of movement of the flame tip thrust member.

12. In a lighter mechanism for butane or like fuel, in combination, a. fuel reservoir having an opening thereinto, a resilient slit valve positioned in said opening with its slit normally closed but openable inwardly toward saidreservoir, a thrust member normally positioned adjacent said slit but depressible toward said slit to press said slit open, said member having a conduit fitting and a flame tip in axially adjustable connected relation to each other, said fitting and said tip having a passage extending through each thereof in spaced relation determined by said adjustment, and a compressible part positioned in the space and engaged by said fitting and said tip between the adjacent ends of their respective passages and across the same, said compressible part having at least one orifice therethrough which may be varied by an axial adjustment between said fitting and said tip, whereby in different seasons and climates the pressure of the fuel issuing through the respective axial passages may be regulated by the compression of said part.

THOMAS H. MORGAN. DWIGHT C. MORGAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 670,725 Picket Mar. 26, 1901 1,178,496 Cochrane Apr. 11, 1916 1,657,663 Devereux Jan. 31, 1928 1,720,460 Ament July 9, 1929 2,026,933 De Laney Jan. 7, 1936 2,072,629 Fernholz Mar. 2, 1937 2,153,432 Reich Apr. 4, 1939 2,328,863 Threm Sept. 7, 1943 2,482,794 Peterson Sept. 27, 1949 2,513,272 Bowen July 4, 1950 2,515,733 Quercia et al July 18, 1950 2,535,452 Quercia et a1 Dec. 26, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 523,187 France Apr. 15, 1921 923,219 France Feb. 17, 1947 

